Mamelodi Sundowns moved level on 13 points with Orlando Pirates at the top of the PSL table after beating league newcomers Milford FC 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane on Wednesday night.
Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring before half-time, while Antonio van Wyk added a second goal late in the match to secure all three points for Miguel Cardoso’s side.
Sundowns started the evening in second place and knew they needed a positive result to keep pace with Pirates, who had climbed to 13 points from five matches after a 4-0 victory over Kruger United. The result leaves the two teams level on points, although Pirates remain ahead because of their superior goal difference.
The home side were strong favourites before kick-off, but Milford produced a determined performance and competed well throughout the contest. Both teams created opportunities during the early stages, yet neither could find a way past the opposing defence.
Sundowns eventually broke the deadlock shortly before the interval. Left wing-back Aubrey Modiba regained possession just outside the Milford penalty area and supplied Rayners, who finished the move to give the Brazilians the lead.
Milford continued to offer resistance after the restart, but Sundowns retained control as the match progressed. Van Wyk then settled the contest in the second half by scoring his first league goal of the season.
The victory ensured Sundowns kept their challenge for top spot on track, while Milford were left without a goal despite making a positive impression against the reigning PSL contenders.
Mamelodi Sundowns started with Ronwen Williams in goal, behind a defence of Mdunyelwa, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana and Aubrey Modiba. Bongani Mokoena, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Antonio van Wyk, Kobamelo Kodisang and Iqraam Rayners also featured in the starting line-up as listed in the match team sheet.
Their substitutes were Reyaad Pieterse, Thapelo Morena, Mosa Lebusa, Divine Lunga, Teboho Mokoena, Sphelele Zwane, Sipho Ndlovu, Lyle Foster and Thapelo Maseko.
Milford FC selected Hleza, Bhengu, Mthabela, Mdluli, Cele, Mthethwa, Nomandela, Mabena, Mbunga, Sigomoshe and Ndlabi in their starting XI.
Their substitutes were Nkosi, Siyaya, Khwana, Zikakayo, Chabanhu, Joyi, Gxakoshe, Radebe and Masilela.
The match was played as Sundowns attempted to match the momentum created by Orlando Pirates’ earlier win. Their success against Milford means the leading pair remain separated only by goal difference after five league games.
